The right support, at the right moment, can make all the difference in a young person’s life. That’s where dedicated school counselors come in, and the research proves it. Kathy Pelzer, a founding member of the California Association of School Counselors, has seen it first hand throughout her career. Schools with a full-time counselor see improved attendance, higher graduation rates, and more students heading to college. It’s not just about academic advice; having a trusted adult on campus who really knows the students means someone is there to notice early warning signs, offer help in a crisis, or guide tough conversations about peer pressure, bullying, or mental health. In comparison, one-off interventions such as sporadic assemblies or guest speakers rarely have a lasting effect. Kids need consistency, not quick fixes, and this shows in the data. When the counselor-to-student ratio is low—ideally 1:250—students benefit across the board. One widely cited study found that adding just one more high school counselor increased college attendance rates by up to ten percentage points for that school. That’s not just a stat on a spreadsheet; it’s hundreds of kids realizing new possibilities for their futures. Despite all this, there’s still no guarantee that every school has a counselor on staff. There’s no federal law requiring a counselor in every school, and plenty of states don’t mandate it either. Millions of kids, especially in underfunded areas, are asked to cope on their own or with only piecemeal support. Policymakers can change this. With such clear evidence that school counselors help students succeed—emotionally, academically, and personally—the question becomes, why don't we fund and require them in every school? These are not just numbers or policy points. This is about giving kids the tools to weather storms and discover their strengths. Legislators have a choice. The research is there; now it’s time to make it count for every student who walks through those doors.

Mike Johnson, a middle school counselor in California, shares his school's approach to engaging busy working families in their children's education. The solution? Bug 'em! But bug them with positivity, purpose, and a plan.

Educators may not wear capes, but the way they show up in students' lives makes them superheroes. Cher Kretz, a school counselor and voracious advocate, shares a story of how a small interaction made a big impact on a 3rd-grade student.

Dr. Loretta Whitson, Executive Director and leader of the California Association of School Counselors, shares a little note she received that reminds her of the impact she's made over 40 years in education, even when she can't recall it. This is the Legacy of Educators.

Anita Shirley, EdD, has many impactful stories to share from her career in education, but this story will inspire anyone to understand how important this job really is.

Every day, thousands of educators make profound positive differences for students across the nation and globe. This series, "Big Wins, Little Wins" features teachers, school counselors, and more sharing the impact they make. Alexis Goddard was named 2024 School Counselor of the Year by CASC, and shares a story of one particular student who's life trajectory was kept on track because of the power of school counseling, commitment and connection.

Students arrive at school with all of life’s complexities in tow, but so do their parents. Josh Godinez, school counselor and education leader, knows that support must go beyond students to create any real change. If we focus only on what’s happening for kids, we risk missing the struggles adults bring into the classroom environment—struggles that directly shape what those students carry. For Josh, the school building is just one part of the solution. It’s counselors, teachers, and administrators stepping up for youth, but there are other needs—often silent—that belong to parents and caregivers, too. When adults are stretched thin, isolated, or lacking support, that tension shows up in their kids’ lives at school. If a family is hurting, the student sits with that in every lesson and lunch break. The real measure of a healthy school? Whether the wider community steps in for families, not just students. That means building systems where: Parents and guardians are connected to practical resources—housing, food, job assistance. Schools are partnered up with local organizations who can fill gaps when kids or their parents need help. There’s no assumption that care stops with the school day; the “village” wraps support around everyone in it, adults included. You can’t ignore what families carry. As Josh asks, “Are we really doing a good job as a society in making sure that we’re providing?” Students and their parents need each other—and they both need a village at their backs.

Public education is a cornerstone of our democracy, but it’s facing real challenges right now. Jami Parsons, Deputy Executive Director of the California Association of School Counselors, emphasizes that we need to hold tight to the value of K-12 public education, even as debates swirl about what schools should teach and how they should operate. Educators are under more pressure than ever, juggling high expectations and responding to a growing range of student needs. In classrooms across the country, teachers are seeing the effects—students struggling with behavior, mental health, and uncertainty about the future. More and more, teachers are turning to school counselors for help. But there aren’t enough counselors and support staff to meet the demand. School counselors play a vital role in helping students navigate challenges, stay focused on their goals, and prepare for life beyond graduation. As pressure on public education increases, investing in strong counseling programs is more important than ever.